In the interest of furthering global health and fighting addiction, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and Italy’s Department of Anti-Drug Policies have signed a formal agreement that will promote scientific collaboration between the two countries. The agreement identifies several research areas of focus to help prevent and treat drug abuse and addiction. These include: screening for early detection, brief intervention and improved treatment for addictive disorders, especially among adolescents and young adults.

"This agreement serves as a model for how scientific collaboration can help reduce the burden of substance abuse and addiction around the world," said NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow, "benefiting the larger scientific community and the millions of people who suffer from these often devastating disorders."

Representing the Italian government were Senator Carlo Giovanardi, Italian Undersecretary of State for Family, Drugs and Civil Service and Giovanni Serpelloni, head of the Italian Department of Anti-Drug Policies.

This agreement follows the Memorandum of Intent, signed a few weeks earlier, between the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Italian Government. Together, these agreements represent an international effort to promote drug policy collaboration and scientific exchange.